Restaurants offering catering services have seen significant improvements in order volume, order value, and overall tips thanks to Olo and Hybrid Delivery technology from the on-demand delivery management platform Cartwheel. Cartwheel’s state-of-the-art software and Olo’s leading open SaaS platform for restaurants have produced excellent results for restaurants like Illegal Pete’s.
Illegal Pete’s, a Colorado-based group of quick-service, fast-casual “Mission Style” burrito restaurants, overhauled its order and delivery processes in 2022. They implemented Cartwheel to manage deliveries and Olo to power its direct and third-party digital ordering. The chain, which has offered catering services since 2001, formerly relied on in-house employees to serve as delivery drivers.
Cartwheel’s Hybrid Delivery Management and Olo’s Direct Ordering Platform
With Cartwheel’s hybrid delivery model, Illegal Pete’s manages its high-value catering orders in-house while outsourcing the rest to third-party fleets. Cartwheel has allowed the brand to implement enhanced delivery features that increase efficiency and provide a better customer experience. Delivery polygons help operators determine delivery territories and optimize routes. Branded driver tracking links make the delivery experience feel more personalized and consistent, tailoring delivery to ensure it aligns with brand perceptions.
Within three months of implementing online ordering with Olo Dispatch, Illegal Pete’s saw a significant boost in its self-delivery business, powered by Cartwheel. Order volume increased by 50%, average order value increased by 11%, and average tip increased by 930%.
Simplifying Tipping with a Cashless System
Cartwheel and Olo have made it simple for Illegal Pete’s to streamline its customer tipping process. The brand set up a cashless tipping system that made splitting tips between employees easy. It also saved accounting time and reduced employee turnover to zero. All can trust that tips were handled fairly and transparently between all the involved staff.
According to Jesse Theilman, catering manager at Illegal Pete’s, “Cartwheel has played a crucial role in our success as we shifted catering management online with Olo. The technologies work in tandem, enabling us to optimize our delivery management, maintain control, and offer the best experience possible for our most valuable catering customers.”
Enhancing the Delivery Experience: From Delivery Polygons to Branded Driver Tracking Links
Cartwheel’s Hybrid Delivery model enables restaurants to use their primary fleets by default while providing access to backup drivers and tools to manage them during high order volume or overflow. This delivery management model ensures operators control the delivery experience while balancing costs and oversight. Cartwheel also offers a turnkey suite of offerings to power delivery services. It includes an easy-to-use driver app, sophisticated dispatch tools for managers, and user-friendly customer interaction functionality with custom branding and review integrations.
To date, Cartwheel and Olo power deliveries for top brands, including Portillo’s (also a Cartwheel investor), P.F. Chang’s, Charleys Philly Steaks, and more.
The Benefits of Streamlining Catering Services with Tech-Powered Delivery Systems
With the right tech stack and strategic planning, restaurants can streamline operations and reduce stress for staff, all while providing customers with the efficient delivery experience they crave. Shalin Sheth, SVP & GM of Direct Ordering at Olo, says, “We’re thrilled to help power Illegal Pete’s – and hundreds of other restaurants – with the tech they need to optimize direct delivery and operations.”
Cartwheel and Olo are making a real difference for restaurants looking to take their catering services to the next level. By implementing state-of-the-art technology and software, restaurants can offer better delivery experiences, reduce stress for staff, and optimize their direct delivery operations.
